Chonburi Buffalo Race (งานประเพณีวิ่งควาย) is a long-established celebration of this most useful animal of Thai farmers. A fun-filled event, it is held not only in Chonburi itself but also in Ban Bueng and Nong Yai districts. The beasts of burden are dressed outrageously or with admirable creativity by owners depending on their imagination. Assembled in the courtyard in front of the town hall, the buffaloes partake in racing, or take part in physical fitness and “fashion” contests.
The Chonburi Buffalo Race festival started more than 100 years ago.Usually, the races will be complemented with booths selling locally made items, stage performances, games and beauty contests.The annual Buffalo Race, held around the 11th lunar month -normally in October. It takes 7 days and takes place on the field in front of the city and provincial government offices.The highlight of the festival is the buffalo race which is on the last 2 days. This race is 100 meters– long. The prize for the first nose past the finish lineis a trophy and some money.